Virginia Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024

Looking for a state with big game? Virginia offers a list of larger-sized animals for hunters such as deer, elk, bear and turkey, as well as small game like squirrel and quail. Virginia hunting seasons take place throughout the year among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

Virginia has the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, American history, and southern charm to compliment an exciting hunting season.

Virginia Bear Seasons

Youth HuntOct. 14-15
ArcheryOct. 7-Nov. 17
MuzzleloaderNov. 11-17
Early FirearmsOct. 2-4
General SeasonOct. 1-Jan. 6**

**Season dates vary by region. For more information on hunting dates in your region, visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website. One bear can be harvested per year. Bears must weigh at least 100 pounds live (or minimum 75 pounds field dressed). It is illegal to hunt female bears with cubs.


Virginia Deer Seasons

Youth HuntSept. 30-Oct. 1
Early ArcheryOct. 7-Nov. 17
Late ArcheryDec. 3-Jan. 6**
Urban ArcherySept. 2-Oct. 6
Jan. 7-March 31
NOVA Late ArcheryApril 1-28
Early MuzzleloaderNov. 4-17
Late MuzzleloaderDec. 16-Jan. 6
General SeasonNov. 18-Jan. 6**

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information on hunting dates in your region, visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website.

Virginia Elk Seasons

General SeasonConcurrent with open deer season

Taking elk counts towards a hunter’s deer permits and bag limit. Licenses and check-in procedures for elk are the same as for deer. Successful elk hunters are required to contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries so that samples for diseases can be collected. Additionally, elk hunting is closed in some regions where the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries is restoring elk populations.

Virginia Turkey Seasons

Fall ArcheryOct. 7-Nov. 17
Fall Youth HuntOct. 14-15
Fall General SeasonOct. 21-Jan. 27**
Spring General SeasonApr. 13-May 18
Spring Youth HuntApr. 6-7

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information on hunting dates in your region, visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website. Hunters can take no more than 1 turkey per day, no more than 2 in the fall season, and a maximum of three per year.

Virginia Small Game Seasons

CrowAug. 19-March 15
GroundhogOpen Season
GrouseOct. 28-Feb. 10
Closed season west of I-95
Quail and PheasantNov. 11-Jan. 31
RabbitNov. 4-Feb. 29
SquirrelGray/Red: Sept. 2-Feb. 29
Fox: Sept. 2-Jan. 31

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Virginia hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.